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But there is a wild card: former U.S. Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart wrote a letter nominating former Florida International University President Modesto “Mitch” Maidique for the job. Maidique has until Monday to decide if he will accept the nomination and formally apply.

He has the academic credentials that Criser lacks but is in his 70s and may not actually want the job.

James "Jim" Purcell, commissioner of the Louisiana Board of Regents, may also be a leading candidate. Put another way, he is the state university system chancellor in Louisiana, just with a different title and on a smaller scale.

There were some who wondered if Florida Polytechnic University interim President Ava Parker would submit her name. She did not. Now folks will wonder if that means Parker is eyeing the permanent job at Florida A&M University.

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